Auld Alliance

The Auld Alliance was an alliance between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of France that lasted from 1295 to 1560. The alliance was formed by John Balliol and King Philip IV of France with the purpose of controlling England's invasions, and it was renewed by all the French and Scottish monarchs of that period except Louis XI of France. The terms of the treaty stipulated that if either country was attacked by England, the other country would invade England. The alliance played an important role during the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Hundred Years' War, the War of the League of Cambrai, and the Rough Wooing. In 1560, the Auld Alliance was dissolved by England (with the assent of the Scottish Lords of the Congregation) and France to formally conclude the Siege of Leith and repalce the Auld Alliance with a new Anglo-Scottish accord, while England and France would remain at peace under the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis.